Back to work inspo for this desperate flibbety jibbet.

[hiphophippity]

I need to drastically change my career. I have been on a 3 year break having my 2 DDs, I am 33. I last worked as a broadcast journalist in TV abroad. We are now based in London and I am staring at my crazy, flippetyjibbit CV and despairing. I don't want to go back into broadcasting, I didn't particularly enjoy it & it offers very little flexibility with children. Prior to that I did voiceover work and some acting, again this was abroad & I don't feel experienced enough to launch myself as an actress in London.
I have a very good degree (don't want to out myself), and a strong interest in the creative arts. I would be happy to retrain/ do a masters but I feel utterly lost as to where to look. I love studying.
When I say creative arts - specifically historic artefacts, textile design...
I know that I want to be working with other people; I like company, and (at the moment) I think I lack the confidence to sell myself. I am not interested in teaching.

Any ideas welcome. PLEASE

[hiphophippity]

bump!

[hiphophippity]

anyone?

[hiphophippity]

tumbleweed

[applecharlotte]

Hi - do you need the money or are you in a position to try out a few short courses at some of the excellent arts unis in london? They might get you talking to the right people to give career insight into the creative arts, sample the courses etc

[applecharlotte]

Hi - do you need the money or are you in a position to try out a few short courses at some of the excellent arts unis in london? They might get you talking to the right people to give career insight into the creative arts, sample the courses etc

[applecharlotte]

Hi - do you need the money or are you in a position to try out a few short courses at some of the excellent arts unis in london? They might get you talking to the right people to give career insight into the creative arts, sample the courses etc

[applecharlotte]

Oh gosh sorry!

[hiphophippity]

good idea

[applecharlotte]

You sound like you have lots of confidence and great experience/ability so its just about you finding the right direction for you - so don't despair!

I think career changes can be massively daunting when thinking about investing lots of money/time into a new career path and then it not 'being right'. Small steps are less stressful.

Personally, I would talk to someone and spend some time reflecting on what kinds of jobs you are interested in, are they aligned with your values? Do they fit with your lifestyle, finances, childcare etc? When I was thinking of career changing I spoke to a career coach who really helped me consolidate my rationale/motivation for choosing a certain career path. However, I think places like connexions offer free career guidance.

You could also try the Prospects career planner on the prospects website, they have a career test that matches your experience/education and personality traits with ten career suggestions.

As well as talking to unis re: short courses maybe contact some course leaders of the kinds of masters courses you might like to retrain in to find out what their graduates go on to do. They are usually more than happy to meet/chat on the phone as its good marketing for their course.

'Women like us' run lots of excellent, affordable half day workshops offering high quality careers advice for women returning to work/wanting to set up their own company/career changers. I went to one and it was really good.

Good luck

[TeapotDictator]

applecharlotte - would you recommend your career coach? I am in a similar situation to the OP; worked in TV production for many years but have had 6 year career break living abroad and having the DC.

Now back and really needing to get back to work, but know it would be nigh on impossible to make my old career work in a functional way (I was freelance, work is/was sporadic, I'm very out of the loop, am also a single parent now etc etc). I am desperate for some sage advice about what to do because currently I just feel utterly useless!

[applecharlotte]

Hi - sorry only just caught up with this thread. Yes of course, she specialises in career transitions and women's careers! Ill pm you her info.

[TheDaerieQueen]

applecharlotte - sorry to jump onto the thread but I would also love the details of your coach. Please could you pm me too? Thank you

[Oly5]

Hello, just wanted to say I'm a journo and am making it work with kids - work from home/flexible working etc. Fair enough if you didn't enjoy it, but don't forget you've got all those amazing media skills and you might be able to find something flexible that suits you. Don't just discount it as not for you because you imagine it's all office-based, finish at 9pm etc. Things are changing!